Heart to Heart News

Lowering Cholesterol Levels


Have you had your cholesterol level checked?

If your healthcare provider has told you that your cholesterol level is not within the “desirable” range, as set forth by the American Heart Association, then you may have also been advised to take steps to lower your cholesterol level. Listed below are several steps you can take to improve your cholesterol level. If you have had a test you have already completed an important step toward a healthy heart!

·    Know your level. Have your blood cholesterol checked.

·    Plan, with your healthcare provider, to maintain or treat your level.

·    Implement the heart healthy plan.

Every woman is different and plans are different, but, in general there are basic ways to lower levels and treat high cholesterol. Some parts of your plan may include the following:

·    Limit saturated fat, whole milk, ice cream/cream and foods made with them from your diet. Try to avoid real butter, egg yolks and cheese as well as organ meats, high-fat processed meats, fatty meats and fried foods.  
·    Include fruits, vegetables and fiber to your diet. Most fish, lean meat, and poultry without skin are acceptable. Try to consume non-fat and low-fat dairy products.
·    Cook Light! Broil, roast or bake instead of pan frying and use a rack to drain fat. Remember to use vegetable oil spray to brown or sauté foods. Substitute egg whites or egg substitutes not egg yolks and use fat-free or low-fat cheeses.
·    Stay Physically Active
·    Avoid Tobacco Smoke
·    Keep yourself and your healthcare provider informed

If diet and exercise are not sufficient, your healthcare provider may prescribe medication. Taking the heart-healthy lifestyle steps to lowering your cholesterol level will also lower your risk of heart disease.

Take your first step….Get Tested!

Reference:
Desirable Level:  (Recheck your cholesterol every one to two years)
   Total Cholesterol:  Less than 200 mg/dl
   LDL: Less than 130 mg/dl
   HDL: Above 60 mg/dl
   
Borderline Risk: (Ask your doctor for advice and have your numbers checked yearly)
   Total Cholesterol:  200-239 mg/dl
   LDL: 130-159 mg/dl
   HDL: 40-59 mg/dl
   
High Risk: (Talk to your doctor about appropriate treatment)
   Total Cholesterol:  240 mg/dl and above
   LDL: 160 mg/dl and above
   HDL: less than 40 mg/dl

 

Important Information

Women’s heart disease symptoms can differ from men’s

Chest pain is still the most common symptom of a heart attack in both women and men. However, many women, over 40 percent, never experience severe chest pain during a heart attack. Women are far more likely than men to experience “atypical” symptoms before or during a heart attack. These symptoms include:

    * Back, neck or jaw pain
    * Nausea
    * Vomiting
    * Indigestion
    * Weakness
    * Fatigue
    * Dizziness
    * Lightheadedness

Women who experience “atypical” symptoms generally wait longer to seek medical attention, leading to significantly poorer outcomes following a heart attack. Learning about and recognizing the symptoms of a heart attack can help you to get the treatment you need faster.

attack can help you to get the treatment you need faster.